GMC Canyon 2nd generation (2015–2022)
Generation-specific owner insights from 116+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy a 2015–2022 Canyon?
779
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2015–2022
17
recall campaigns
steering
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owners of the 2015-2022 Canyon generally express positive feelings about the truck's driving dynamics, comfort, and technology, with several describing it as driving more like a car than a truck and praising its smooth, quiet ride.
15 problems reported (1 very frequent, 4 recurrent, 10 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentTransmission shuddering and shifting issues with the 8-speed automatic
Owners report shuttering, confused shifting, and sticking in higher RPM ranges, with some recommending a transmission fluid change per a TSB or a tune to resolve.
- RecurrentTiming chain issues
Owners report timing chain problems requiring replacement, with one stating "needs a new timing chain/belt" and another noting it's "not uncommon at all.".
- RecurrentBattery drain
Owners of 2019 models report battery draining overnight or within days, with one owner stating it drained daily and another noting the battery was replaced but the issue persisted. Heated steering wheel use was suspected by one owner.
+ 12 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentBluetooth connectivity issues
Owners report the radio showing "No Device Connected" even when phone functions are connected, requiring unplugging, re-syncing, or restarting the phone to resolve.
- RecurrentWater flowing sound from dashboard
Owners report hearing water flowing or gurgling sounds, often during engine warm-up, attributed to coolant passing through the heater core. One owner noted it's common across GM trucks and not a concern if coolant levels are stable.
- IsolatedInfotainment screen issues
One owner reported a black screen and another reported a navigation card that wouldn't eject, with a software update resolving one case.
- IsolatedEngine idle noise
One owner reported noisy injectors at idle, with another suggesting injector cleaner or questioning if cylinder deactivation caused the issue.
- IsolatedTheft deterrent system warning
One owner reported intermittent "Service Theft Deterrent System" warnings preventing the truck from starting, requiring waiting 5-10 minutes before it would start.
- IsolatedCooling fan running after shutdown
One owner reported the cooling fan running after shutdown, with a suggestion to check the fan relay or temperature sensor if it happens when cold.
- IsolatedActive Fuel Management lifter issues
One owner reported lifter failure on a 2005 Trailblazer with the 5.3L, but noted GM changed lifter designs in 2013+ and reliability of the newer design is unknown. This was not reported as an issue on the 2015-2022 Canyon specifically.
- IsolatedWindow recalibration message after battery change
One owner reported an "Action Required - Open and close driver side window" message after changing the battery, resolved by rolling the window down and holding the button for three seconds, then up and holding for three seconds.
- IsolatedOnStar button not lighting up and in-cab mic not working
One owner reported the OnStar button not lighting and the microphone not working, with suggestions to call OnStar or the dealer.
- IsolatedAir sensor problems
One owner reported air sensor problems, with advice to take it to a dealer or trusted mechanic rather than throwing parts at it.
- IsolatedCooling system leak
One owner suspected a cooling system leak and was advised to pressure test the cooling system.
- IsolatedFan issue on 2.5L
One owner reported a fan issue on a 2021 Canyon 2.5L, with no resolution detailed.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. Partial signal suggests the diesel Duramax 2.8L is well-regarded for towing and fuel economy, with one owner reporting no issues and another praising its capability. The 3.6L V6 is described as naturally aspirated and solid for business use, with simpler maintenance than turbocharged competitors. The AT4 trim is praised for its appearance and features, with one owner noting it was only $500 more than a Colorado Z71 and much nicer. The Denali trim is mentioned positively for interior quality. The 8-speed automatic is associated with shuttering issues, while the 6-speed (used in 2015-2016 models) is noted as avoiding the troublesome 8-speed.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, Nissan Frontier and Ford F-150.
Is a 2015–2022 Canyon right for you?
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Overall sentiment
Owners of the 2015-2022 Canyon generally express positive feelings about the truck's driving dynamics, comfort, and technology, with several describing it as driving more like a car than a truck and praising its smooth, quiet ride. However, sentiment is tempered by recurring concerns about transmission behavior, engine reliability, and electrical gremlins. Early model years (2015-2017) draw more criticism for transmission issues and engine concerns, while later years (2019-2022) see praise for refinement but still report battery drain and infotainment problems. A notable contingent of owners cross-shopping full-size trucks question the value proposition, noting that a full-size Sierra or Silverado could be had for only slightly more money.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners position the Canyon as more luxurious and better-equipped than the Chevrolet Colorado, with one owner stating the AT4 was only $500 more than a Colorado Z71 and "a lot nicer of a truck." Against the Ford Ranger, owners describe the Canyon's naturally aspirated V6 as simpler and potentially cheaper to maintain past 150k miles, while acknowledging the Ranger drives nicer with more connected steering. Versus the Tacoma, some owners recommend the Tacoma for long-term reliability past 100k miles, while others see the Canyon as more comfortable and modern. Against the Nissan Frontier, owners acknowledge the Frontier as a better value but note the Canyon offers more modern features. Several owners question the Canyon's value against full-size trucks, noting that a full-size Sierra or Silverado could be purchased for only a few thousand dollars more.
Recommended configurations
Owners recommend the 4WD configuration, with one stating "you will appreciate it on wet roads" and another noting "2WD is a waste of time" with zero resale value. For those considering the diesel, the 2.8 Duramax is praised for towing capability, with one owner successfully towing a 5,000 lb trailer cross-country without issues. For gearing with larger tires, owners recommend 3.73 or 4.10 gears rather than 4.56, with one stating 4.56 is "way too high" and another recommending 3.73 for a light truck. A transmission cooler is recommended for modified trucks. For model years, the 2015-2016 models avoid the troublesome 8-speed automatic, while later models (2019-2022) offer more refinement but may have battery drain issues.
General recommendations
This generation suits buyers who want a mid-size truck that drives more like a car, with good technology and comfort features. Buyers should prefer 4WD models for resale value and wet-weather capability. The 2015-2016 models avoid the 8-speed transmission issues but may have other early-production concerns. The 2019-2022 models offer more refinement but potential buyers should be aware of battery drain and infotainment issues. Inspection advice includes checking for transmission shudder, verifying any certified pre-owned claims through a GM dealer, checking for timing chain issues on higher-mileage examples, and testing all electronics including Bluetooth, navigation, and backup camera. One owner strongly advises against buying a GM truck with over 50k miles without a multi-year warranty. Another recommends having a mechanic check for oiling issues on cylinder 5 and being aware that injector replacement requires extensive disassembly.
Remarks
Owners frequently compare the Canyon to the Chevrolet Colorado, noting the Canyon offers better materials and more standard equipment. The diesel Duramax 2.8L is praised for towing and fuel economy, with one owner reporting 17 mpg regardless of towing or city driving. The AT4 trim is well-regarded for its appearance and features. Some owners express frustration with dealership service departments, particularly regarding battery drain and transmission issues. The 2023 model year marks the end of the Duramax in the Canyon. Owners note that the Canyon is technically a mid-size truck but is surprisingly large in crew cab configuration. A common recommendation is to buy between Thanksgiving and December 31st for the best deals. Analysis based on approximately 116 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 27 | 1 | electrical system |
| 2021 | 12 | 2 | steering |
| 2020 | 14 | 0 | power train |
| 2019 | 17 | 0 | power train |
| 2018 | 52 | 1 | power train |
| 2017 | 66 | 1 | power train |
| 2016 | 270 | 4 | steering |
| 2015 | 321 | 8 | steering |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2022 · seats:critical fastenerscampaign 22V375000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022 GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado vehicles equipped with a manual passenger seat. The front passenger seat may have a hook attachment that was not properly welded, allowing it to separate from the inboard track of the seat frame.
2021 · seat beltscampaign 20V811000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.
2021 · equipment:other:labelscampaign 21V497000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Canyon vehicles. The load carrying capacity printed on the Tire and Loading Information placard is 22.5 kg (51 lbs.) more than intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
2018 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 18V358000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
2017 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 18V358000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
2016 · air bags:frontalcampaign 17V621000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado, and 2016 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. The driver's frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash.
2016 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 18V358000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
2016 · latches/locks/linkagescampaign 15V807000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Colorado trucks manufactured August 25, 2015 to September 24, 2015, and GMC Canyon trucks manufactured August 28, 2015 to September 24, 2015. The affected vehicles have a console compartment lid latch assembly that may fail to keep the compartment door closed in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."
2016 · air bags:frontalcampaign 16V125000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Colorado vehicles manufactured January 19, 2016, to February 2, 2016, Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured January 9, 2016, to January 26, 2016, and 2016 GMC Canyon vehicles manufactured January 21, 2016, to February 4, 2016. The driver frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash.
2015 · air bags:frontalcampaign 17V621000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado, and 2016 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. The driver's frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash.
2015 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 18V358000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
2015 · air bagscampaign 14V645000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles manufactured January 6, 2014, to October 1, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the driver air bag connections may have been wired incorrectly. This could reverse the deployment sequence and disrupt the deployment timing of the driver air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
5 more recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.